Pahalgam Terror Attack: TRF, Group Behind TheAttack, Designated As Foreign Terrorist Organization By USA

PahalgamTerrorAttack

In a major step forward, the United States has classified The Resistance Front (TRF), a front for the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) responsible for the Pahalgam assault, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). This announcement came via a statement from the US Department of State on Thursday, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighting the move as a testament to President Donald Trump’s demand for accountability following the tragic event.

The Indian Embassy in Washington praised this development, noting it reflects the robust partnership between India and the US in combating terrorism. The April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Jammu and Kashmir, claimed 26 lives, with TRF initially taking responsibility before retracting its claim amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan. India’s National Investigation Agency has pinpointed TRF chief Sheikh Sajjad Gul as the key orchestrator of the assault.

Rubio detailed that TRF, along with its related aliases, has been incorporated into LeT’s existing FTO and SDGT designations under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224. The Department of State has also reaffirmed LeT’s FTO status. He added that this action underscores the Trump administration’s dedication to safeguarding national security, tackling terrorism, and delivering justice for the Pahalgam tragedy—the deadliest civilian attack in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks by LeT. TRF has also been linked to multiple strikes on Indian security forces, including a notable incident in 2024.

The Indian Embassy took to X to reinforce New Delhi’s unwavering stance against terrorism, stating, “A clear sign of strong India-USA counter-terrorism ties. We thank the Department of State for designating The Resistance Front (TRF) as an FTO and SDGT. As a Lashkar-e-Tayyiba proxy, TRF claimed the April 22 civilian attack in Pahalgam. ZERO TOLERANCE for terrorism!”

In response to the Pahalgam incident, India initiated Operation Sindoor on May 7, striking nine terror infrastructure targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Subsequently, in May, India dispatched seven multi-party delegations to 33 global capitals, including Washington, to highlight Pakistan’s ties to terrorism on the international stage.